When you tell your children that you’re going to get divorced, one of the most important things you can do is to leave time for them to ask questions. They’re definitely going to have a lot of them, possibly starting with wondering why you’re getting divorced in the first place. You need to make this a two-way conversation to show them you care about them and to put their minds at ease.
To help you prepare, if you have not told them yet, consider these questions that they may ask:
- Where am I going to live?
- Will I get to live with both of you?
- Am I going to have to move?
- Do I still get to go to my school and be in the same class?
- Where are you (the parents) going to stay?
- When will these changes take place?
- Will I still be able to see my neighbors and friends?
- Am I going to get to do my hobbies and activities?
- Am I going to stay involved in after-school programs or go to summer camp?
Some of these questions may surprise you, as an adult. This is a divorce. The last thing you’re thinking about is summer camp.
But, to children, this divorce represents change. They are naturally going to think about the things that they love and enjoy, even if those things don’t seem all that relevant, and wonder if they’re going to change. Giving them quick answers can put their mind at ease.
As you move forward with this divorce and all of the complicated child custody questions that come with it, be sure you know your rights. Custody issues can be complicated, even when both parents work together. Find out more about what it takes to make a parenting agreement that works.
